Families Central Scotland Sep-Oct 2018

Central Scotland In this Issue

Clubs and classes feature October holidays Out and about

y Come and enjo Falkirk’s newurs! fantastic flavo

Glen Farm Glen Village Falkirk FK1 3AA Tel. 01324 630703 www.themilkbarn.co.uk

Issue 48 September/October 2018 Familiesonline.co.uk

Win a family ticket to the opening night of Sleepin’ Cutie at Macrobert Arts Centre Win a family ticket to see Cinderella at FTH Theatre Falkirk

familiesonline.co.uk Families Central Scotland 1

Pre- school swimming lessons - Places available

Phone 01324 506850 or email: bookings@falkirkcommunitytrust.org www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/sport 2 Families Central Scotland

Find us on Facebook -Falkirk Sport Follow us on Twitter - @FalkirkSport Falkirk Community Trust gratefully acknowledges the support of Falkirk Council Familiesonline.co.uk

contents

Central Scotland In this Issue

Clubs and classes

October holidays Out and about

feature

Welcome to the September/October issue of the Families Central Scotland magazine. In this issue we have a great Clubs and Classes feature to help you choose the clubs and classes that are best suited to your child. We also have lots of ideas for the October holidays highlighting great things to do with the kids locally, a super article ‘Go wild this Autumn’ and our regular news and views, parent to parent and a packed out and about.

Come and enjoy Falkirk’s new fantastic flavours!

Glen Farm Glen Village Falkirk FK1 3AA Tel. 01324 630703 www.themilkba rn.co.uk

Win a family ticket to Sleepin’ Cutie at Macrobert Arts Centre

Local news and views..................................................4-5 Parent to parent.................................................................. 6

Win a family ticket see Cinderella and to FTH Theatre Falkirk.

Issue 48 September /October 2018 Familiesonline.co.uk

ine.co.uk Familiesfamiliesonl Central Scotland 1

Fiona & Louise the editors In this issue WIN a family ticket to Cinderella at FTH Theatre.............................5 WIN a family ticket to Sleepin’ Cutie at Macrobert Arts Centre..........5

contact us e: editor@familiescentralscotland.co.uk t: 079302 64979 If you are interested in advertising with us bookings are now being taken for the November/December issue – deadline for all adverts and editorial 1st October.

Find us on facebook www.facebook.com/FamCS and twitter @FamiliesCentral where you will get regular updates. Visit our website www.familiesonline.co.uk for more articles and details of local events and listings for you and your family.

Go wild this Autumn........................................................ 7 Clubs and classes feature........................................8-11 Ideas for the October holidays......................... 12-13 Out and about........................................................... 14-15 Circulation 12000 copies distributed directly to nurseries, playgroups, health centres, libraries, leisure facilities as well as selected shops, cafes, and schools.

Please contact us if you wish to receive our media pack detailing costs and sizes of adverts.

Design Printers Cover Image

- Lamb Designs - J Thomson Colour Printers - Deposit photos

Families Central Scotland is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Central Scotland are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Central Scotland. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Central Scotland; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

& Aberdeen Performing Arts

Tickets from £9.50

Tue 27 Nov to Mon 24 Dec Tickets: £9.50 / £34 Wee Group Saver (any 4 people) For age 5 & under

www.macrobertartscentre.org I 01786 466 666 Families Central Scotland 3

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Falkirk Storytelling Festival

Arnhall Day Nursery

The second Falkirk Storytelling Festival returns from 4th – 7th October with author events on Thursday and Friday at the Howgate Centre in Falkirk, with renowned authors such as Lari Don, Theresa Breslin and Chae Strathie. On Saturday, the Howgate Centre will host a magical Harry Potter event with butterbeer, honeydukes style sweet shop, Potter trivia game, wand making workshops and costumed characters will meet and greet for photos, so dress up and join in the fun. Following on from the success of Spy Quest last year, David Goutcher will return on Sunday 7th October and mini secret agents will be able to play a new Spy Quest game round the centre. All events are free to attend, for the latest information follow on - facebook.com/ FalkirkStoryFest

Award winning nursery, established for 28 years in the beautiful forest surroundings of Keir Estate, Dunblane, located less than half a mile off the Keir roundabout. Graded ‘Very Good’ by the Care Inspectorate in 2018, we offer children from 3 months to school age high quality childcare by proactive qualified staff; working closely with parents to ensure excellent service is provided at all times. Winners of NDNA Nursery of the Year 2017 and top 10 most recommended nursery 2018, we are also in partnership with Stirling Council providing funded hours. Achieving Platinum Investors in People, ranked 4th in UK and finalist for our Outdoor Learning Environment in 2018. Nutritional homemade meals are provided by our inhouse chef with SOIL bronze award recognising food quality. Open all year round between 7.30am and 6.30pm, children have access to our fabulous gardens/outdoor classroom and enjoy woodland walks and daily Forest Schools.

Bookings now being taken for 2019. For further information come along to our Open Day on Friday 7th September 3-5pm, visit www. arnhallnursery.co.uk or phone 01786 822391

Be like Maureen

The Kidz Stop, Bo’ness and Linlithgow

Maureen is retiring having been a foster carer for Falkirk Council for over 40 years.

Could you be like Maureen and offer a child or children a family home, opportunities to grow, the confidence to fulfil their potential and childhood memories to last a lifetime? Falkirk Council are looking for foster carers particularly to keep siblings together, foster teenagers and carers prepared to offer a permanent placement for children. We offer on-going and in-depth training and support to ensure your fostering experience is fulfilling - the difference you could make to a child’s life could be remarkable. We welcome enquiries from anyone over the age of 21 who has at least one spare room, who is warm and caring and can help us keep Falkirk’s children Closer to Home. If you are interested then please complete our online enquiry form at www.falkirk.gov.uk/services/ children-families/fostering phone us on 01324 508656 or e-mail fostering@ falkirk.gov.uk, you can also like/follow us on Facebook- Falkirk Council Adoption and Fostering.

Welcome to The Kidz Stop where we have been caring for children for over 15 years. As a family business we pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of care and education. We use Curriculum for Excellence and Building the Ambition to inform our planning to ensure high quality learning experiences for the children. We offer a homely environment with small rooms and services tailored to meet individual needs.

Our staff are carefully chosen for their caring personalities and passion for working with children. Services include: early opening from 7.30am, hot lunches cooked fresh daily, access to a wide range of outdoor play and learning experiences and escort service to and from the local school nurseries for 3-5 year olds. In 2010, 2011 and 2015 The Kidz Stop was voted runners up Nursery of the Year in Scotland by NDNA. If you would like to come and visit us call Pauleen at Linlithgow on 01506 239 295 or Caroline at Bo’ness on 01506 828007.

Blast away evil at the UK's first Superhero laser tag arena Located in Callendar Square, Falkirk Open 7 days www.weeheroes.co.uk

4 Families Central Scotland

0330 053 9953

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Panto 2018 fun in Falkirk and Stirling ……..and we have a family ticket (group of 4 people) for the FTH Theatre Panto and the Macrobert Arts Centre Panto to give to our lucky winners.

FTH Theatre - Falkirk’s 2018 Panto, Cinderella Something very exciting is coming to FTH Theatre for Christmas 2018...

A pantomime with all the magical ingredients needed to create a festive family treat including special effects, song and dance numbers, a hilarious script and bags of audience participation!

This year FTH Theatre have teamed up with Imagine Theatre, one of the country’s top pantomime producers and bring to you Cinderella, starring River City’s Sally Howitt as the Wicked Stepmother and Falkirk’s very own Barbara Bryceland as Fairy Godmother.

From Thursday 6th – Monday 24th December. Tickets on sale now!

01324 506850 www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org Enter our prize draw for your chance to win a family ticket (group of 4) to Cinderella at FTH Theatre by emailing your name and address to editor@familiescentralscotland.co.uk putting Cinderella in the subject box. Closing date Friday 28th September.

You can make a difference...

Falkirk Council urgently needs Foster Carers to offer permanent placements for children and young people.

We need carers to keep sibling groups together and also for older children.

Help us to keep Falkirk’s children closer to home.

Can You: • Provide a stable and loving home?

• Work as part of a team?

• Encourage a brighter future for a young person who is unable to live with their own family?

In return you will receive: • On-going and in depth training and support.

• The knowledge you are helping to shape a young person’s future.

Foster.

fostering@falkirk.gov.uk 01324 508656 www.falkirk.gov.uk/fostering

AN

E FO R A '

Macrobert 2018 Panto, Sleepin’ Cutie Christmas is coming, oh yes it is, and it’s time to get ready for another fabulously fun panto at Macrobert Arts Centre – Sleepin’ Cutie, written

by Johnny McKnight. Bonnie is in trouble. It’s her birthday and everyone in the palace is acting crazy. Her best friend Jester is refusing to let anyone into her party and keeps muttering no-one loves her like him. Prince Charming is scary – declaring it is his destiny to marry her (though they only met 5 minutes ago). If that isn’t bad enough Fairy Contrary is refusing to get out of bed until the party’s over.

From Friday 23rd November - Monday 31st December, tickets from £9.50. Book tickets: 01786 466666 www.macrobertartscentre.org Enter our prize draw for your chance to win a family ticket (group of 4) to the opening night of Macrobert Arts Centre’s panto, Sleepin’ Cutie by emailing your name and address to editor@ familiescentralscotland.co.uk putting Sleepin’ Cutie in the subject box. Closing date Friday 28th September. (*This prize is subject to availability and is only eligible for the opening night performance on Fri 23 Nov, 7.30pm).

Familiesonline.co.uk

Issue 46 : (E)

Families Central Scotland 5

H

i, my name is Jenn Stirling and I live in Linlithgow. I am married with three children. Cameron aged 15, Rebecca aged 12 and Billy aged 10. I have a step-daughter Jill and together we have set up a new business in Stirling called KIDZ TOWN , which is a self-contained children’s role-play town with 14 individually themed role-play locations including stables , fire station , old town market , shoe shop , police station , school and hospital with baby care centre to mention just a few!

The children are encouraged to use their imagination and with our fabulous costumes and equipment they can play at being a chef, mechanic, doctor, construction worker, vet and the only limits are their imagination. It’s amazing watching the children interacting with each other and also great to see the parents enjoying playing with their children before heading into our café to enjoy a tasty snack or one of our already famous cakes made by our head chef Becky from the award winning cake design company, Fondlyiced. Find out more at www.kidztownroleplay.com and follow us on facebook.

Why you like living where you do?

Linlithgow is a Royal Burgh like Stirling, but much smaller, however it is also steeped in history, being the birth place of Mary Queen of Scots, with Linlithgow Palace always high on a tourist’s must visit list. The town is very child friendly with plenty of outdoor places to go, including Linlithgow Loch and Beecraigs Country Park.

Favourite shop We love the award winning bookshop Far From The Madding Crowd. They always have an excellent selection of childrens and adults books in stock, and anything they don’t have they will order in for you. There is also an amazing lady from Linlithgow called Avril Clark who runs an online craft business called Wee Bee. She creates beautiful bespoke baby frames and personalised gifts.

Favourite park Our kids have always enjoyed visiting Callender Park in Falkirk where they like to ride their bikes , visit the historic house and

6 Families Central Scotland

in the summer they have go karts and bouncy castles.

Favourite children’s club/class Falkirk F.C. holiday time football camps and Linlithgow School of Gymnastics. My husband and I have always loved watching the children in all their matches , swimming galas , dance and gymnastic shows.

Favourite day out Blair Drummond Safari Park is always a great day out for my family. Always something new to see every time we go.

Favourite child friendly restaurant Just along the road from KIDZ TOWN is a lovely place called The Linden Inn. It has a family dining area and serves great food including a selection from its childrens menu.

Favourite night out without the kids Well, as we get used to our surroundings in Stirling, my husband and I sometimes leave the car on a weekend night and have a meal and a few drinks before getting the last train home to Linlithgow. We love The Kilted Kangaroo!!

No parent should be without Patience and lots of it!! Take the time to teach your children little useful skills when they’re young and eager to learn and it will benefit you in years to come.

Parenting pet hates All the extra add ons for the so called ‘free’ fortnite video game on PS4.

Most embarrassing moment I once sent Cameron to school in full ‘Woody’ from Toy Story costume , complete with cowboy hat for World Book Day, a day early!

Most loved children’s book The kids loved the Janet and Allen Ahlberg baby books when they were young. Each Peach Pear Plum and Peepo were their favourites.

Best children DVD or tele programme Anything Disney and my eldest son loved Balamory when he was little as we lived in Cheshire at that time and he missed his grandparents so I think he found all the Scottish accents comforting.

Most played with toys My youngest son Billy adored all his Thomas The Tank and Friends metal trains with build up tracks . They were great for him to play with when he was out and about watching his older siblings at their various activities, and of course his footballs. We have a large trampoline in the garden and it’s great fun for us all as a family to play on! Rebecca loves practising her gymnastics on it and it really helped her confidence when she was learning new gymnastic flips.

Jenn’s recommendations Callendar Park , Falkirk Far From The Madding Crowd, Linlithgow Wee Bee, Linlithgow Beecraigs Country Park Blair Drummond Safari Park The Linden Inn, Stirling The Kilted Kangaroo, Stirling

Familiesonline.co.uk

Go Wild this Autumn!

Go wild this Autumn!

By Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks

You will need: basic cooking equipment eg: a griddle, frying pan and Dutch oven (a cast iron cooking pot with lid), measuring cups, knives, spoons and a mixing bowl.

Autumn; a time for playing in crisp, colourful leaves and raiding conker trees. A time when fields are woven with glistening spiders’ webs on misty mornings and wild food is plentiful in the hedgerows and woods.

Make a safe fire in a fire pan or pit or use a barbeque.

You could bake a delicious layer pancake with different fruit in each layer, including elderberries with sloes, crab apples with rosehips, and blackberries with damsons, all cooked with a little water and sugar.

Alternatively, a blackberry cake baked in a clay pot or wild herb bread cooked in a Dutch oven among the ashes.

Just because summer’s over, there’s no need to abandon the great outdoors.

There’s a wealth of fun activities you and your children can enjoy as the temperatures start to cool. Here are just a few ideas: Make Leaf Mobiles Celebrate Autumn’s amazing colours by creating a brightly coloured mobile. You will need: twine, scissors, and a large needle.

Collect colourful fallen leaves cones, wild nuts and seeds and a stick in the woods or the park.

Cut the twine into lengths of about 75cm/30in.

Tie a cone or an acorn to one end of each length of twine. Thread leaves and seeds along the twine.

Tie the leaf strings along a stick and hang your mobile up in the autumn sunshine.

Go Wild Foraging Discover wild foods in hedgerows and woods; look out for nettles, blackberries, raspberries, elderberries, rosehips, hazelnuts, walnuts, crab apples and wild herbs. Gather some berries, nuts and leaves. Make sure you know what’s safe to eat though before you give your permission for your children to eat what they’ve collected!

Hold a Wild Bake-Off Challenge What can you make from wild foods and a few basic ingredients like flour, salt, milk, butter, sugar and eggs?

Natural play equipment & cable ride Farmers Den Tearoom – Homebaking Indoor soft play frame Tractor go-karts Giant jumping pillows Farm animals Children's parties Tractor and trailer rides round the farm (£1 per person)

Award prizes for taste, wild presentation and the most creative use of foraged foods!

Make Jam with Wild Fruit Collect some fruit on one of your walks and make some jam.

Weigh and wash the wild fruit and put it in a saucepan with a little water. Bring the fruit to the boil and add the same weight of sugar. Simmer for about one hour or until it sets (does it form a jelly on a cold saucer?) Pour carefully into a warmed jar and put the lid on. Decorate a label with pictures of the fruits and invent a wild name for your jam. Cover the lid with a large leaf.

Outdoor Halloween For a real Halloween adventure, go to the woods, the park or into the garden after dark for a scary feast, made more festive with wild decorations!

Create: Pumpkin faces - no carving involved, just stick on wild materials with double sided tape or clay to make funny and

OPEN FEBRUARY TO NOVEMBER

scary faces.

Leafy decorations - cut coloured leaves into bat shapes and scary faces to decorate a witch’s hat or make leaf bunting.

Leafy lanterns – tie string around jars to make handles. Cut scary faces in colourful leaves and attach them to the jars with elastic bands.

Pumpkin lanterns - carve pumpkins into decorated lanterns and place them in a trail for your friends to follow.

Prepare a warming Halloween feast; cheesy baked potatoes and pumpkin soup, sausages wrapped in chunks of bread, toffee apples or apple tarts, and sweet pumpkin pie.

Set up a Halloween mystery trail with a few scary surprises, perhaps a ghost in the trees and a spider’s web across the path?

Safety Tips • When foraging, take care to only collect safe edible fruits and seeds • Choose fruit bushes and trees away from roads • Make fires in a fire pan, a fire pit or a barbeque and always supervise children around fire and when cooking, as well as when using nightlights in lanterns and carving pumpkins More about Going Wild Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks of Going Wild are on a mission to inspire everyone to spend more time outside discovering the wonders of the natural world. Their books are packed with practical ideas to tempt children and families away from screen-based entertainment and escape into the outdoors where the wild world will weave its magic upon them. These autumn activities are taken from their tenth book The Wild Year Book, Things to do Outdoors through the Seasons, published by Frances Lincoln in July 2018.

For more information, visit www. goingwild.net

Clubs and Classes

The benefits of clubs and classes for all ages.

Whether or not you think you may be raising the next Picasso or David Beckham, there’s no doubting the pluses of joining a few clubs or classes.

m Ter es* New Spac w *Ne

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ROCK SCHOOL

Founded by one of Scotlands Premier Rock Musicians Runrig’s Brian Hurren

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Classes | One to One | Recording | Birthday Parties

01786 448 417

While finances may not permit your little ones being involved in different activities every day or night of the week, there’s no doubt that for a child at primary a couple of well-chosen clubs can be great for giving your child an insight into areas that the school curriculum doesn’t cover. For babies, toddlers and preschool children, joining in a few classes can help with their early development and of course the benefits for parents getting out and about and meeting other parents is invaluable.

From music to drama, sports to martial arts, there’s a club or class out there for every child.

They are brilliant for all sorts of reasons – not just learning a new skill but building confidence, team work, aiding concentration and giving children a sense of achievement.

So, why are clubs so important?

Physical Activity Much of a child’s time at school is spent sitting behind a desk so spending the day running around, swimming, cycling, or TKD Tigers is a revolutionary fun way of teaching 3-6 year olds using martial arts as a training platform.

playing sport gives children a great chance to get moving. Try Coach my Sport and Rugby Tots for an energetic time, Stirling Cycle Training for confidence on their bike and Turtle Tots will give your child the invaluable life skill of learning to swim. TKD Tigers is a specific programme of taekwondo for young children and teaches self confidence and anti bully strategies. Falkirk Community Trust and The Peak have many sports to choose from.

It’s not just about physical activity for the kids, if you as a mum feel you want to get a bit more active or return to fitness after pregnancy try Mums on the Run or Buggy fit classes. Jump-n-Joy also have evening classes for adults so you can bounce your way to fitness.

Develop Talents and Skills Particular classes give children the opportunity to learn skills

Our themed activities consist of: • Teamwork & leadership • Focus & concentration • Motor skills • Fitness • Emergency skills • Memory • Balance • Anti bullying • Stranger awareness • Discipline • Promote health and nutrition

Results your child can expect • Social skills • Confidence • Physical and mental development

Falkirk Westfield Park Community Centre.

Tuesday & Thursday 5.15pm – 6.00pm

Larbert Tryst Community Sports Club at Larbert High. Wednesday 5.30pm – 6.15pm

Denny Denny High School – Sunday 11.00am

Fully qualified professional instruction

by Garry Shaw 6th Degree Black Belt International Instructor

Call 07734 461615

www.shawmartialarts.co.uk garry@shawmartialarts.co.uk

8 Families Central Scotland

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Clubs and Classes and take part in activities they have not encountered before.

Learning an instrument or language can help children discover talents and interests they didn’t know they had.

Kids Lingo has language classes for preschool children as well as after school classes.

Stirling Rock School has preschool classes and also tuition in key board, guitar and drums.

Building Confidence Discovering new talents and developing new skills will, in turn, help children to grow in confidence and self-esteem.

Drama, song and dance can often bring shy children out of themselves or allow those who want to perform a chance to do so. Check out the Macrobert, FTH Theatre and Stagecoach for classes and summer theatre schools.

Learning Social Skills Classes are a great way to build social skills and to make new friends. For babies and toddlers, sitting in a circle and taking part in music and movement classes is a great way to introduce your baby to other babies and great for aiding early social and emotional development.

Check out Hartbeeps, Music Bugs, Baby Sensory and Toddler Sense classes. This is also an invaluable way for mums/dads to get out and about and meet other parents.

Leaving Technology Behind As fantastic as it is that we

live in a world filled with TVs, mobile phones, lap tops and other devices, it is always great to encourage children to get outside for a good oldfashioned kick about and run around.

Enjoying the Outdoors Climbing trees, changing a bike wheel, or building an outdoor camp can help ensure your child does not miss out on the learning benefits to be gained from the great outdoors and enjoy adventures they would not otherwise experience. There are many great Brownie, Guide , Cubs and Scouts groups in the local area that encourage outdoor play as well as fostering team work, confidence and having lots of fun.

Additional Support Some children can struggle in school which can lead to them feeling anxious and a lack of self esteem. If you need some additional support you could try finding a tutor or check out Kip McGrath who can give additional support in maths and English.

Cellfield is a specialist programme helping children with dyslexia. This can really help your child feel more confident in school.

Classes Across Central Scotland

lynsey@hartbeeps.com 07914 023 928

Coach My Sport delivers an exciting, progressive programme 'For Sports Fun & Success‘. Classes in Dunblane for children aged 3 - 8+.

Call Tony Phillips on: 07590 900101 www.coachmysport.co.uk

Don’t forget the fun factor!

New skills, team work and confidence building aside, the most important thing to think about when deciding which club to choose is the fun factor.

find

a class

near you

float@turtletots.com

Familiesonline.co.uk

www.turtletots.com/centralscotland

Families Central Scotland 9

Clubs and Classes BuggyFit

Want to work out but can’t find child care? BuggyFit is your answer.

We are not just a walk in the park! We squat, we lunge, we do optional shuttle runs. We are an outdoor exercise class with the added bonus of bringing your baby along. We are fitness (sometimes we play fitness games), fun with free fresh air thrown in. Classes available across Stirlingshire. Your local trainer is: Claire Buchanan. Contact me on FB @ BuggyFit Stirlingshire or email : focus_ on_fitness3058@yahoo.com

Coach My Sport

Coach My Sport delivers coaching sessions in Dunblane for children aged 3 – 10+. Classes are delivered in a fun and enjoyable environment; they are not sport specific and use the Multi SkillZ program. It is a unique method to enhance motor development and stimulate learning. The program develops skills for any sport with unique fun drills within a variety of different and exciting sports, including VX, Floorball, Dodgeball, Cricket and many others. There are three groups red, orange and green depending on ages of the children. For more information please visit www.coachmysport. co.uk or contact Tony Phillips on coachmysport@gmail.com or 07590 900101.

Dyslexia Programme Changing Lives

Families in Stirling are fortunate to have convenient access to the unique Cellfield dyslexia programme, which helps people overcome dyslexia and similar processing issues. Cellfield is

an effective approach – based on brain plasticity research - which develops and strengthens areas in the brain used for language processing. Average gains of 2 years in reading age can be achieved in addition to improved confidence and self esteem.

Contact Cellfield in Stirling on 01786 447527 or visit www.cellfield.co.uk

Falkirk Community Trust

Falkirk Community Trust run a programme of sports for children of all ages from pre school to secondary. In partnership with Active Schools, The Central Sporting Partnership, National Governing Bodies of Sport, local clubs and other organisations, they offer a variety of sports from swimming, mini gyms, football, gymnastics, basketball, badminton, swimming, tennis, golf and much more. Visit www. falkirkcommunitytrust.com or phone 01324 506850.

Hartbeeps

The most original musical baby, toddler and preschool miniproduction classes on the planet. Come and experience the magical world of Hartbeeps with specialist programmes to complement and enhance every stage of your child’s early years - from birth to school. We can’t wait to welcome you to our award-winning classes. Classes are available throughout Falkirk, Clacks, West Lothian, Cumbernauld and Glasgow and available through school holidays as well as term time. To enquire or book a class or for a birthday party enquiry please visit www.hartbeeps.com

call Lynsey on 07914023928 or emailLynsey@hartbeeps.com Find us on Facebook for regular updates.

Jump N Joy - Scotland’s newest trampoline park is now open in Clackmannanshire!

We’ve got a full programme of jump sessions that cater for everyone!

Including open jump sessions throughout the week and specific sessions for under 5’s, families and children with assisted support needs.

You can also book a party package from only £10 per child. There’s even Monday night fitness sessions and every Friday and Saturday is Disco Night!!Jump for joy at Jump N Joy, in Bond Street Tullibody, Alloa, or search Jump n Joy Stirling. Jump N Joy – the joy starts with a jump!www. jumpnjoy.co.uk - 01259215576

Professional Tutoring at Stirling Kip McGrath

The team at Kip McGrath in Stirling are looking forward to welcoming previous and new students for the start of the new Autumn term. Based on the Stirling University campus, the Kip McGrath Centre provides individualised tuition in Maths and English for students aged 5-18. All their tutors are fully qualified teachers and the individualised tuition helps students become more confident about their learning to help them achieve their potential. Contact the Centre on 01786 474818 to arrange a free assessment or visit www.kip-mcgrath. co.uk/stirling

A unique & effective approach to overcoming Dyslexia Call Cellfield in STIRLING

01786 447 527 info@cellfield.co.uk www.cellfield.co.uk

Cellfield changes lives...

Our qualified teachers create individual tutoring programmes for your child, using proven Kip McGrath methods. ulating!

Tutoring at Kip is fun and stim

To find out more, call our STIRLING CENTRE

01786 474 818

stirling@kip-mcgrath.com www.kipmcgrath.co.uk

Professional Tutoring in Maths and English Call TODAY for a free assessment

Mums on the Run - All round fitness class for busy mums

Mums on the run is designed to support you getting back into shape with no need for a sitter while you work out.

The sessions are either 35mins indoor toning only, kids of any age are welcome to run about, sleep or join in and also suitable if you are pregnant and keeping active. The other choice is 1 hour out and about keeping on the move with some cardio mixed in with toning, suitable for all levels of fitness post baby (post 6 week check). Classes around Bridge of Allan and The Peak. Please contact Jenny on 07555 964201 or email mumsontherunstirling@outlook.com

Music Bugs

Music Bugs run fun weekly sessions in Stirling, Dunblane, Callander and Menstrie. Classes include lots of fantastic songs and props such as puppets, hobby horses, bubbles, pom poms, parachutes, teddies, scarves and percussion instruments. Details of class age ranges, locations and times can be found at: www.musicbugs.co.uk/stirling/ classes. Contact Roslyn Dale on 0844412-8197 or email roslyn@musicbugs. co.uk to book a £4.50 taster session or take advantage of their 3 classes for £10 introductory offer. Look out for details of upcoming classes on our webpage and Facebook @MusicBugsStirling.

Birthday Party package details are available on request.

Clubs and Classes

Rugbytots

This highly energetic play programme for boys and girls aged 2-7 years has run in Scotland since 2008, with classes in Stirling since summer 2012. In April 2016 more classes were added, run by owner and former Scotland Rugby Internationalist, James Craig. Come along and join in the fun!

Classes currently run in Cambusbarron, Dunblane and Bridge of Allan. All bookings can be made on our website at http://www.rugbytots.co.uk. We are looking to add more classes throughout the Stirling and Clackmannanshire area so please register your interest. If you have any questions, please e-mail james.c@rugbytots.co.uk or call 0845 313 0424.

Shaw Martial Arts for all the family

TKD Tigers is a fantastic specific martial arts programme for children age 3 – 6.

The course is based around TaekwonDo, to teach children life skills including fitness, co-ordination, balance, flexibility, teamwork and leadership, health and nutrition, selfdefense including stranger awareness, bully drills and emergency skills .

Taekwon-Do classes teaching children age 7 years and above discipline, self defense, fitness, flexibility and much more. Kickboxing classes for men and women learning self defence, fitness, toning, flexibility and pad work. Classes in Falkirk, Denny, and Larbert. www. shawmartialarts.co.uk

Stirling Rock School

Stirling Rock School is owned by Runrig Producer/Keyboard player Brian Hurren.

We make learning music fun, creative, modern and exciting.

We offer small classes in keyboard, piano, and guitar in a musical environment with the best instruments for learning. Driven by professional musicians, we have new classes opening up this term and have just added further Drum Tuition spaces. The school is open Monday-Saturday, For more info call 01786 448417 or visit www.stirlingrockschool.co.uk

Turtle Tots Central Scotland

Turtle Tots offers fun, friendly and often splashy(!) swimming lessons for little ones from 3 months to 4 years. Our lessons teach water confidence, vital water safety skills and early swimming technique, as well as being a great way to spend 1-on-1 time with your little person. You can join our classes at any time, so if you have an older child we will try and find you a class to suit their stage in development rather than having to start at the beginning. All of our teaching is based on child-led learning so children learn at a pace that is right for them. Classes available in Stirling, Dunblane, Falkirk and Bo’ness. For more information, email us float@turtletots.com or visit www. turtletots.com/centralscotland

MORE

ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk

o Kids g !* e fre

Visit the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway Travel on our steam railway and enjoy Scotland’s largest railway museum.

Open 24 March - 28 October www.bkrailway.co.uk

Registered charity SC002375

Union Street, Bo’ness. EH51 9AQ

*one child free with a paying adult with this ad.Valid for one transaction only, any day until end October 2018 except 8 & 9 Sept ref famCent

ideas for october break

kids entertained. Annual membership allows families to keep coming back to the popular attraction as often as they wish over a 12 month period for the same price as regular admission.

For more information visit www. nationalwallacemonument.com

The Engine Shed, Stirling

Explore cutting edge digital technology and heritage at the Engine Shed this October with DigiFest. With different activities, workshops and demos held every day, we will cover everything from gaming and animation to robotics and 3D printing. Special talks and demos will be given by Tippet Studios (Star Wars), Ubisoft (Assassin’s Creed) and many others. Come along and view our digital installations and exhibitions, take part in our outreach activities and see what pioneering projects are underway across the globe. The Engine Shed is Scotland’s first building conservation centre, designed to explore Scotland’s historic buildings, and the materials and skills used to create them. Discover the science of building conservation with our interactive displays, and investigate treasured buildings using our augmented reality map. Our full programme of events can be found on our website at www.engineshed.scot

Discover Stirling’s fascinating history at The National Wallace Monument

There are so many ways in which families can learn more about Scotland during their visit, from following the woodcarving trail on the Wallace Way, to discovering the life and legacy of William Wallace in the exhibition galleries inside The National Wallace Monument. Children will travel back in time as they come face-to-face with medieval warriors over the October holidays with weekend performances of ‘Tales from the Battlefield’ (13th, 14th, 20th and 21st October) and mid-week performances of ‘Scotland’s National Hero’ (17th October). The National Wallace Monument is open all year with lots of fun activities to keep the

12 Families Central Scotland

Kidz Town Role-Play, Stirling

When the kids are ready to let off steam – make tracks for Loch Katrine!

There’s always something memorable about family days out in the great outdoors - and when it comes to finding spaces for adventure – they don’t come on a much grander scale than The Great Trossachs Forest! At its heart is one of the most popular destinations when it comes to finding a place to let children go exploring – Loch Katrine, the starting point for so many different experiences from walking by the loch shore, through to family cycling expeditions, and of course the opportunity to enjoy a sail on the legendary steamship Sir Walter Scott (or the modern cruiser Lady of the Lake). This really is the best way to enjoy the stunning scenery which was shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago, and to discover the story of how the loch itself has supplied Glasgow’s tap water since the middle of the 19th century. Sailings depart from Trossachs Pier, which is easy to reach from all across Central Scotland, and where visitor facilities include The Steamship Café,Katrine Wheelz, and Katrine Gifts You can now make Loch Katrine your home for the night with a stay under the stars in one of our Eco lodges. www.lochkatrine.com

KIDZ TOWN ROLE-PLAY is Central Scotland’s newest play venue for kids.

KIDZ TOWN is completely focused on gentle imaginative role-play and is a miniature town consisting of 14 different role-play locations, including a Fire Station, Construction Site, Vets and many more besides. There are 2 main roads running around the town, where you can drive about on a choice of different vehicles.

Overlooking KIDZ TOWN is Kidzy’s Kitchen, a cake and healthy food paradise, where adults can relax and babies and toddlers can enjoy our soft play area.

Why not book your birthday party in our nautical themed party room, complete with Pirate Ship. For our guests who require a little quiet time we have our specially designed Sensory Room. For more information or to book your party or role-play session please go to www. kidztownroleplay.com also find us on facebook. Kidz Town Role Play, 35 Colquhoun Street, Stirling, FK7 7PX.

Autumn fun at Briarlands Farm We offer acres of space with natural play equipment and cable ride; tractor gokarts, giant jumping pillows, amazing 9 hole football golf course, soft archery and much more, so everyone can enjoy the fresh air. Visit our tearoom for a delicious freshly baked scone or some of Mary’s home baking; you’ll also find an indoor soft play frame to entertain the under 7’s and our Busy Bees Craft area for those feeling creative! We also love to host birthday parties and can offer a fantastic indoor space for any celebration – please call for Outside Catering.

For more information and to see our range of events please visit our website at www.briarlandsfarm.co.uk or ‘LIKE’ us on Facebook to keep up to date!

Familiesonline.co.uk

The Milk Barn, nr Falkirk

Come and enjoy a delicious homemade ice cream at The Milk Barn, we have 36 different flavours on display. We also have soya ice cream for diabetics, dairy free sorbets and frozen fresh fruit yoghurt.

The Milk Barn is situated on a working dairy farm, and is very child friendly with indoor and outdoor play areas. Enjoy a fun, delicious day out for all the family and have a try at milking the Fibre Glass milking cow Glenda. We also serve sandwiches, baked Potatoes, home baking etc. Ask our staff for any dietary guidelines. Opening hours 10am to 5pm every day. The Milk Barn, Glen Farm, Glen Village, Falkirk, FK1 3AA Contact 01324 630703 or visit www. themilkbarn.co.uk

Bo’ness and Kinneil Steam Railway and Museum of Scottish Railways - fun for the kids

Share an adventure with your friends and family travelling by steam train and exploring Scotland’s largest railway museum.

Experience the sights, sounds and smells of old fashioned train travel. The Guard will clip your ticket as your journey begins.

Buy a snack from our buffet car then sit back and relax as the train travels through the Scottish countryside. Back at Bo’ness, visit the Museum of Scottish Railways via our new Visitor Trail. Enjoy homemade, locally-sourced produce in our Station Buffet and we’ve a great Gift Shop. Visit our website for more ideas on planning your day out www.bkrailway. co.uk

The UK’s first superhero laser tag venue – Wee Heroes

Did you know it’s right on your doorstep? Choose your superpower, grab your cape, activate your forcefield and blast off to defeat your enemies. Navigate your way through the tricky twists and turns of the arena, battling opponents along the way as you use a state of the art touch screen laser shooter to target the enemy, which also allows you to track your games progress.

Be everyone’s hero and bring the kids along to Wee Heroes Falkirk; in Callendar Square. Let them blast off into a spacious arena themed by well-known Superheroes and villains. Your imagination will run riot as you take on the baddies in this awesome laser game. The waiting area is fully kitted out with barista coffee, snacks and light meals. How about something for our grown ups? Try the newly opened Transcend Escape Rooms Falkirk and you’re sure to have a day to remember... escape-transcend.co.uk Wee Heroes, Callendar Square, Falkirk, FK1 1RG. www.weeheroes.co.uk

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Open afternoon on Friday 7th September

Arnhall Nursery is a private day nursery that provides high quality childcare from 3 months to school age.

• Graded Excellent in all areas by the Care Inspectorate 2016 • Set in beautiful surroundings near Dunblane with ample parking • Access to daily Forest Schools • Open all year round from 7.30am to 6.30pm • All meals included - home cooked by our in-house chef • Fully qualifed & trained staff For further details or to arrange a visit please contact the Nursery direct

on 01786 822 391 Keir Estate, Dunblane FK15 9NU www.arnhallnursery.co.uk

Families Central Scotland 13

Whilst every care has been taken to compile the Out and About section please remember that this magazine is printed weeks in advance of the event. Please call and check events with the venue to avoid any disappointment before setting out.

Weekends in September

A Battle Won at The Wallace Monument See costumed actors bring history to life.

This is free but admission prices apply should you wish to climb the monument. www. thenationalwallacemonument. co.uk Saturday 1st September

Comic Con at Falkirk Town Centre and Howgate Shopping Centre Unleash your inner super hero and enjoy the fun around the town and in the Howgate. Buy a wristband at the Howgate which allows you into the games and photos beside the exhibits.

All proceeds to CHAS. www. howgateshoppingcentre.co.uk Sing-a-long Grease Bo’ness Hippodrome 7.30pm.

1950’s Event at Bo’ness Railway Steam and heritage trains, music, cars and vintage stalls. www.bkrailway.co.uk Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd September

Tales From The Battlefield at The Wallace Monument Travel back in time to one of the most dramatic periods in Scottish history, with live performances with costumed actors. www. nationalwallacemonument.com Ant Man and The Wasp Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Sunday 2nd September

Killearn Children’s Book Festival at Killearn Village Hall Join 10 of Scotland’s finest children’s authors, illustrators and storytellers for a fun and interactive day of activity. www. yourstirling.com Baby and Toddler Fair at Alloa Town Hall Wednesdays in September

Scotland’s National Hero at The Wallace Monument Listen as a costumed actor gives a short presentation on the life of William Wallace.www. thenationalwallacemonument. co.uk

Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th September

Day Out with Thomas at Bo’ness Railway Engines with friendly faces, children’s entertainment, competitions, face painting, fairground attractions. www.bkrailway.co.uk Sgt Stubby An Unlikely Hero Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Christopher Robin Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Tuesday 11th September

The Battle of Stirling Bridge Anniversary at The Wallace Monument Watch as actors perform ‘A Battle Won’, explore inside the Monument to find Wallace’s legendary battlesword and join the anniversary walk to the battlefield. www. nationalwallacemonument.com Friday 14th September

Batty Bonanza at Jupiter Wildlife Centre Join Jupiter for a twilight tour of Jupiter to search for bats, moths and other nocturnal creatures.

Contact the ranger on 01324 486475.

Saturday 15th September

Batwalk with Batability at Muiravonside Country Park Wrap up, bring your torch and learn all about these elusive creatures with a Bat expert.

Phone 01324 506850.

Help Hedgehogs Hibernate at Jupiter Wildlife Centre Come to Jupiter and make a hibernation station to help hedgehogs have a cosy and safe winter.

Black Devon After Dark Come and join the RSPB down at Black Devon Wetlands and see what the wildlife gets up to once the sun sets. Phone 01324 832853 Big Roman Day at Kinneil Estate Lots of fun, games, demonstrations and stalls, for all the family, plus tours around Kinneil House.

Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd September

Big Roman Week in Falkirk With walks, talks and family events across the Falkirk

14 Families Central Scotland

area. Look out for the Family Fun day at Kinneil House plus Roman themed events in your local library www. bigromanweek.wordpress.com Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th September

Luis and the Aliens Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Wednesday 19th to Tuesday 25th September

Stirling Festival of Volunteering 2018 Lots of events in and around Stirling to celebrate volunteering including a Family Fun Day at The Kings Park on Sunday 22nd. www. festivalofvolunteering.org/ stirling2018 Thursday 20th and 21st September

Night watch with the Falkirk Rangers Meet at Gala Park in Dunipace for an evening walk to look for bats. Booking essential phone 01324 504950.

Saturday 22nd September

Catherine Wheels present Martha at Macrobert Arts Centre A beautiful story about the power of friendship. For tickets and information visit www.macrobertartscentre.org Scratch n Sniff Wallace and Gromit and the Curse of the Were-Rabbit Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd September

SABOS present Stop the Show At Macrobert Arts Centre Rhino Weekend at Blair Drummond Safari Park Visit your local rhinos and learn more about these impressive animals and the contribution that Blair Drummond has made to the conservation of the southern white rhinoceros.

Included in general admission price.

Wednesday 26th September

Family Friendly Badger Watch at Muiravonside Country Park Join the ranger service on this badger watch. For tickets

and information phone 01324 506850.

Friday 28th and Saturday 29th September

Heavy Metal at The Engine Shed See demonstrations of blacksmiths, casting and other metal crafts. Join in the family friendly activities. www. engineshed.scot Saturday 29th September

Kelpies Canter at The Helix Come and visit the breathtaking Kelpies and discover some of the hidden secrets of the Helix Park with a five kilometre walk or cycle to support Christian Aid. Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th September

Incredibles 2 Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Sunday 30th September

Funbox presents Dinosaur Safari at FTH Theatre, Falkirk Get ready for some Stone Age silliness as Anya, Kevin, Gary and Bonzo the dog go on their most roarsome adventure yet. www.falkirkcommunitytrust. com Thistles Wolf Pack Club Go Kung Fu Crazy with free fun and games. www.thistlesstirling. com Thursday 4th October

Ministry of Science Live at FTH Theatre, Falkirk Join in the family fun and go on this journey of science with lots of loud bangs and demonstrations.

For tickets and information visit www.falkirkcommunitytrust. com Thursday 4th to Sunday 7th October

Falkirk Story Telling Festival Falkirk’s second storytelling festival with a range of author events for children and adults happening around Falkirk. www. falkirkstorytelling.com Saturday 6th October

Howie’s Kids Club at The Howgate Shopping Centre Part of the Storytelling Festival, enjoy a Harry Potter themed event with butterbeer,

Familiesonline.co.uk

honeydukes style sweet shop, Potter trivia game, wand making workshops and costumed characters will meet and greet for photos so dress up and join in the fun. www. howgateshoppingcentre.co.uk Friday 12th October

Barrowland Ballet presents Playful Tiger at Macrobert Arts Centre Playful Tiger has been made specifically for children and young people who are profoundly autistic. It tells the story of the tiger’s visit to the rigid family home through the eyes of the child, with a focus on sensory engagement. For tickets phone 01786 466666.

Saturday 13th to Sunday 28th October

HalloWILD at Blair Drummond Safari Park Don’t miss this family Halloween extravaganza at Scotland’s favourite Safari Park. Included in general admission price. www. blairdrummond.com

Sunday 14th October

Little Red Riding Hood at FTH Theatre, Falkirk Join Scarlet and her side kick Stanley the Squirrel as they try to outwit Walter the Wolf in this forest full of family fun. For tickets and information visit www. falkirkcommunitytrust.com Wednesday 17th October

Autumn Abundance at Jupiter Wildlife Centre Join Jupiter to look for signs of the changing seasons and to design some natural crafts. Contact the ranger on 01324 486475.

Saturday 20th October

Happy Hibernators at RSPB Scotland Black Devon Wetlands Learn all about the animals that spend the colder months asleep and help the rangers make some cosy homes for them. Phone 01324 832 853 VR Demonstration at The Engine Shed Take a pair of VR glasses and experience some

of the most important heritage sites of Scotland. There will be different experiences and VR headsets for you to try! www. engineshed.scot Sunday 21st October

Doug Allen Wild Images, Wild Life at Macrobert Arts Centre Join the mutli award winning wildlife cameraman on this amazing wildlife journey. For tickets and information visit www.macrobertartscentre.org Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th October

Project Theatre presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr at FTH Theatre, Falkirk Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr takes place in a magical kingdom beneath the sea. For tickets phone 01324 506850.

Friday 26th and Saturday 27th October

White at Macrobert Arts Centre A playful and visual show for young children. For tickets and information visit

www.macrobertartscentre.org Friday 26th to Sunday 28th October

Pumpkin Hunt at Muiravonside Country Park Follow the trail of pumpkins around the park and collect your prize. 10-2pm. www.falkirkcommunitytrust. com Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th October

Steam and Scream at Bo’ness Railway Halloween treats, a fancy dress competition and other spooky fun. www. bkrailway.co.uk Sunday 28th October

Thistles Wolf Pack Club Join in the Wizarding School with free fun and games. www. thistlesstirling.com Harry Potter Afternoon Tea at Inglewood Hotel Have a magical time at this Harry Potter themed Afternoon.

For information phone 01259 216156.

DIGIFEST 2018 8 - 20 OCTOBER

Join us at the Engine Shed this October for a two-week festival showcasing the latest in digital innovation. With activities, workshops and demos from Tippet Studios (Star Wars), Ubisoft (Assassin’s Creed) and many more. This festival brings together heritage and cutting edge digital technology from across the globe. From families to professionals, there’s something for everyone. Come along to explore virtual worlds and enjoy 3D experiences.

FURTHER INFORMATION: w| www.engineshed.scot t | 01786 234 800 e | technicaleducation@hes.scot @HESEngineShed

Stay & Sail Breaks at Loch Katrine Steamship Sir Walter Scott D The is fully wheelchair friendly 1. left alligned

Short breaks, Cruises & Event s throughout the year

2. centred

3. as title

Discover the life and legacy of Scotland’s National Hero

PAY ONCE AND ENJOY VISITING ALL YEAR! Become a member for the same price as regular admission*

Abbey Craig, Hillfoots Road, Stirling FK9 5LF (01786) 472140 • info@nationalwallacemonument.com www.nationalwallacemonument.com

*£10.50 for one adult annual membership, family and concession rates are available

• Classic Steamship Cruises on Sir Walter Scott • Legends of the Loch Cruises on Lady of the Lake • Lochside Dining in The Steamship Café • Gift Shop • Cycle Hire • Photos

Lochside Eco Lodges & Campsite Enjoy a truly magical experience in comfortable eco lodges on the shores of Loch Katrine. (4 en suite with underfloor heating) suitable for 2 - 4 people.

Includes kitchenette with combo microwave, fridge and sink, freeview HDTV, wifi and heating.

PLUS 20% cruise & cycle hire discounts when you stay.

Trossachs Pier, Loch Katrine,

by Callander, Stirling FK17 8HZ T: 01877 376315/6 • enquiries@lochkatrine.com • www.lochkatrine.com

Home of the Steamship Sir Walter Scott